Known as the “Spice Island,” Zanzibar has long been a crossroads for traders from Africa, Arabia, India, and Europe, leaving an indelible mark on its food and culture. This unique blend of influences has created a cuisine that is as vibrant and diverse as its history.
At the heart of Zanzibari cuisine lies its unparalleled use of spices. Cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom are not just ingredients but storytellers of Zanzibar’s days as a hub of the spice trade.
These spices infuse every dish with an aromatic richness that is both exotic and familiar. From the complex flavours of Zanzibari Pilau to the comforting warmth of spiced tea, each bite offers a sensory experience like no other. We offer luxury and budget Zanzibar packages tailored to your preferences, ensuring an unforgettable tropical escape.
But what truly sets Zanzibari cuisine apart is its seamless fusion of flavours and cultures. Every meal tells a story of connection and cultural exchange. For travellers, exploring the local cuisine is an invitation to savour the essence of Zanzibar’s history and heritage.
The Island of Spice
Zanzibar’s moniker as the “Spice Island” is a testament to its historical role in the global spice trade. During the 19th century, the island was one of the world’s largest producers of cloves, with vast plantations that filled the air with a heady, aromatic sweetness.
The spice trade not only enriched the island but also shaped its culinary traditions, creating a cuisine where spices are celebrated as the heart of every dish.
Cloves, Zanzibar’s most famous export, lend a warm, slightly sweet depth to stews and curries. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom are equally prominent, bringing an exotic fragrance to rice dishes like Pilau and spiced tea. Turmeric adds a golden hue and earthy flavour to sauces and soups, while black pepper and ginger provide a fiery kick to marinades and broths.
In Zanzibari cuisine, spices are not used merely to add flavour—they are the foundation. The careful blend of these spices creates the iconic flavour profiles of dishes like Zanzibari biryani and coconut-based curries. Even everyday foods like breads and beverages are enriched with the warmth of cardamom or the zest of ginger.
No trip to Zanzibar would be complete without a visit to one of its renowned spice farms. These farms offer an immersive experience, allowing visitors to smell and taste the island’s famed spices in their natural habitat.
Guides often share fascinating anecdotes about the origins and uses of each spice, giving travellers a deeper appreciation for their role in Zanzibari culture and cuisine. From sampling freshly harvested vanilla to learning how turmeric is extracted, a spice farm visit is both educational and sensory—a perfect way to connect with the island’s rich history and flavours.
Iconic Dishes of Zanzibar
Zanzibari cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavours, with every dish telling a story of cultural fusion and culinary creativity. The island’s unique history has birthed a variety of iconic dishes that are both comforting and exotic. Here are some must-try delicacies that capture the essence of Zanzibar’s rich food culture.
Zanzibari Pilau
Zanzibari Pilau is a staple dish that embodies the island’s love affair with spices. This fragrant rice dish is cooked with cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and turmeric, along with vegetables and a choice of meat, such as chicken or beef.
It’s often served during special occasions and is a testament to the island’s Indian and Middle Eastern influences. The interplay of warm spices and the fluffy rice makes it a truly unforgettable experience.
Urojo Soup
Known as “Zanzibar Mix” by locals, Urojo is a tangy and slightly spicy soup that’s a street food favourite. This vibrant dish features a broth made with turmeric and lime, filled with crispy fritters, boiled potatoes, and pieces of meat or egg.
Urojo is a true reflection of the island’s diverse culinary influences and is often served with a side of fresh coconut chutney.
Biryani Zanzibari Style
While biryani is a dish with Indian roots, the Zanzibari version has its own twist. Cooked with a fragrant blend of local spices and tender meat, this dish is richer and more aromatic than its counterparts. The addition of caramelized onions, raisins, and sometimes a touch of coconut milk elevates the dish to new heights of flavour.
Octopus Curry
Given Zanzibar’s proximity to the ocean, it’s no surprise that seafood plays a starring role in its cuisine. Octopus curry is a local favourite, with tender pieces of octopus cooked in a coconut milk-based curry infused with spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic. Often served with rice or chapati, this dish showcases the island’s mastery of seafood and spice blending.
Mishkaki
For meat lovers, Mishkaki—grilled skewers of marinated beef, chicken, or seafood—is a must-try. These skewers are typically seasoned with a mix of spices, including cumin, chili, and lime juice, then grilled over an open flame. Often served with a tangy tamarind sauce, Mishkaki is a popular street food that pairs perfectly with a refreshing glass of sugarcane juice.
Street Food Adventures
Forodhani Night Market, located in the heart of Stone Town, is an iconic culinary destination that comes alive after sunset. Set against the backdrop of the historic waterfront and illuminated by rows of food stalls, this bustling market offers a sensory explosion of sights, sounds, and, most importantly, flavours.
One of the market’s standout offerings is the famous Zanzibar pizza. This street food sensation is a savoury or sweet stuffed flatbread, prepared fresh on a sizzling griddle. Fillings range from minced meat, eggs, and vegetables to Nutella and bananas for dessert lovers. Its crispy crust and melty centre make it a must-try delicacy.
Another crowd favourite is the fresh sugarcane juice, pressed on-site and often infused with a hint of lime or ginger. This refreshing drink is perfect for cooling down after sampling the market’s many rich flavours.
For seafood enthusiasts, stalls showcasing an array of fried fish, prawns, and calamari are hard to resist. These are often marinated with local spices and cooked to perfection, offering a taste of Zanzibar’s coastal bounty.
Meat lovers will be drawn to the Mishkaki (grilled kebabs), skewered chunks of spiced beef or chicken, char-grilled over open flames. Pair these with the tangy tamarind sauce provided by vendors for a flavour-packed bite.
Seafood Extravaganza
Zanzibar’s coastal location makes seafood a cornerstone of its cuisine, with the surrounding Indian Ocean providing an abundance of fresh catch daily. Zanzibari seafood is celebrated not only for its freshness but also for its preparation, which often incorporates the island’s signature spices and tropical flavours.
Among the highlights of Zanzibari seafood dishes is grilled lobster, a luxurious offering often marinated in a blend of lime juice and local spices before being char-grilled to perfection. Its succulent, smoky flavour is best enjoyed with a side of coconut rice or a fresh salad.
Prawns, another favourite, are often served in various styles—grilled, curried, or even skewered as mishkaki—each preparation bringing out their natural sweetness and tenderness.
A quintessential Zanzibari seafood experience includes whole fish, typically snapper or barracuda, grilled or baked with spices like turmeric, cumin, and ginger. Served with chapati or steamed vegetables, this dish is both hearty and flavourful, embodying the island’s approach to letting the freshness of the seafood shine.
For the best seafood dining experience, Zanzibar offers numerous options that pair exquisite cuisine with breathtaking ocean views. The Rock Restaurant, perched on a coral outcrop in Michamvi, is one of the most famous. Diners can enjoy a meal surrounded by the sea, with dishes like seafood platters and octopus curry stealing the show.
Emerson on Hurumzi in Stone Town combines seafood with rooftop dining, offering a romantic setting alongside creative Swahili-inspired menus.
For those seeking a more casual vibe, Kendwa Rocks and Nungwi Beach restaurants are fantastic choices. Here, you can enjoy freshly grilled fish and prawns with your toes in the sand, watching the sun set over the ocean.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
While Zanzibar is often celebrated for its seafood and spice-laden dishes, its vegetarian and vegan offerings are equally remarkable.
Fruits are a highlight of Zanzibar’s culinary scene, with tropical varieties like mangoes, pineapples, jackfruit, and bananas available in abundance. These are often served fresh or incorporated into savoury dishes, adding a natural sweetness and depth of flavour. Fruit platters are a common breakfast choice, presenting a colourful and refreshing start to the day.
One standout vegan option is coconut bean stew, a hearty and flavourful dish made with creamy coconut milk, spiced with turmeric and cumin, and simmered with tender legumes like red kidney beans or black-eyed peas. This dish perfectly balances richness and spice, making it both nourishing and satisfying.
Salads in Zanzibar are anything but ordinary, frequently featuring exotic ingredients like shredded papaya and a drizzle of tangy lime dressing. Vegetable biryani is a flavourful vegetarian take on the classic rice dish, infused with aromatic spices and packed with seasonal vegetables.
For vegan travellers, the simplicity and freshness of Zanzibari cooking mean that dishes can often be adapted to meet dietary preferences. The reliance on coconut milk and fresh produce creates a wide range of naturally vegan recipes that don’t compromise on taste or authenticity.
Desserts and Sweet Treats
Zanzibar’s desserts and sweet treats offer a delightful conclusion to its vibrant culinary journey.
One of the most popular desserts is cassava cake, a moist and chewy treat made from grated cassava, coconut milk, sugar, and spices like cardamom or nutmeg. This traditional recipe embodies the essence of Zanzibari cooking: simple, hearty ingredients transformed into something truly special.
For those seeking a more decadent experience, Zanzibar halwa is a must-try. This rich, chewy dessert is made from sugar, butter, and flour, infused with saffron, cardamom, and sometimes rose water for a luxurious flavour. Often enjoyed during festivals or special occasions, Zanzibar halwa represents the island’s Indian and Middle Eastern culinary influences.
Another beloved treat is Mandazi, a type of fried dough that’s lightly sweetened and flavoured with coconut and cardamom. These fluffy pastries are often compared to donuts and are best enjoyed warm and paired with a cup of spiced tea or coffee.
Enjoy Zanzibarian cuisine at top resorts
Zanzibar’s rich culinary heritage shines through in the offerings of several luxurious resorts, where guests can enjoy authentic Zanzibari dishes alongside international flavours.
At Neptune Pwani Beach Resort & Spa, the main restaurant showcases local Zanzibari dishes infused with the island’s famous spices, such as clove-seasoned stews and coconut-based curries. These traditional dishes are often complemented by fresh seafood caught daily from the Indian Ocean, making it a culinary highlight for guests seeking an authentic taste of Zanzibar.
At Diamonds Mapenzi Beach Zanzibar, Zanzibari cuisine takes centre stage at The Palm Restaurant, where buffets feature local delicacies like octopus curry, spiced rice, and grilled fish marinated with turmeric and lime. The Suli-Suli Restaurant offers a more intimate experience, specializing in freshly caught seafood prepared with the island’s signature spices and served in a beachfront setting.
Zuri Zanzibar elevates the island’s culinary traditions at its Upendo Restaurant, where Zanzibari dishes are reimagined with contemporary flair. Guests can savour coconut and cardamom-infused stews, pilau rice cooked with local spices, and grilled seafood, all crafted to highlight the unique flavours of the Spice Island.
At Karafuu Beach Resort, Zanzibari influences are evident in the offerings at Kijiji Restaurant. The buffet-style meals include spiced rice and coconut fish curries, as well as seasonal tropical fruits, reflecting the island’s culinary heritage. For a more exclusive experience, Le Grand Bleu at Karafuu Beach Resort serves freshly caught seafood, prepared with traditional Swahili marinades, offering a true taste of Zanzibar’s coastal cuisine.
Finally, Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa blends international and local influences at its Kilimanjaro Restaurant, where dishes like grilled seafood and spiced curries celebrate the vibrant flavours of the island. Here, the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods means that Zanzibari cuisine remains a focal point of the dining experience.
For travellers seeking to immerse themselves in Zanzibar’s culinary culture, these resorts offer the perfect opportunity to indulge in the island’s iconic flavours, from spiced curries to coconut-infused stews, while enjoying the stunning views and luxurious settings of their surroundings. View our Zanzibar holiday packages and start planning your dream vacation today.
